Soft or hard pointe shoes?

Question

ok i'm a bit confused. i have very strong feet and a very good arch so my teacher said to get stronger (harder) pointe shoes next time. i thought that if you have strong feet and ankles you should have softer shoes? or is it the other way around?

ps.: i want to try softer shoes next time, so it doesnt take so long to break them in. should i buy soft the next time?

Answer 1

When you have weaker feet (like me) you get less hard shoes because your feet aren't strong enough to break break hard shoes in.

When you have strong feet (like you) you get hard shoes because you'll break in soft shoes too fast.

It's also true that if you have strong feet you can handle dead shoes better than weaker feet. (dead being old and way too broken in)

I would go with what your teacher said and get shoes with a hard shank next time. She (he?) would know best,  chances are these didn't last too long or you're falling off pointe because your shoes aren't strong enough.

I wouldn't get "soft" pointe shoes because you're gonna break them in so fast and you'll have to buy new ones right away. The best way to help break in new shoes is jus to walk around the house with them. You can also try putting some water on the middle of the shank where you want it to bend. (if you do this, let them dry before you dance on them otherwise you could ruin them)

Lastly, principal dancer's shoes aren't that soft. It's just that most of them have beautifully broken in shoes and crazy strong feet.

I hope this helped! Good luck!

Answer 2

I would say, if you have a really good arch and strong feet, than harder shanks would last longer, but if you have enough money and want to try softer ones, I guess you could. I don't really know.

Hope I kind of helped!

Answer 3

Soft shoes are for regular ballet. You could be really really good in still be in soft shoes.

Hard shoes are called pointe shoes. You should have 3-5 years of soft shoe ballet training before thinking about going en pointe.

You said you wanted to try soft shoes? Does that mean you have never used them? You should ALWAYS start in soft shoes like I said before for 3-5 years THEN when your teacher gives you permission go to pointe shoes. If when you started ballet you went straight to pointe not only are you damaging your feet and ankles, you should switch ballet studios aswell. Putting a student en pointe with no spft shoe training will result in broken feet or ankles which could mean you never dance again.

Please, leave your studio, buy SOFT shoes, find a new studio, and start ballet in soft shoes. Then, when you are ready your teacher will come up to you have ask you to start pre-pointe. This is when you go and buy your pointe shoes (making sure to be properly fitted by a pro). In pre-pointe (that usually lasts a year or so) you have a regular ballet class in soft shoes, then for the last 10-15 mins you all put on your pointe shoes and do work at the barre to get used to them. Once you become stronger, the time you do exercises increases until you are ready for full pointe.

Remember to only go en pointe when your feet have stopped growing, when a good teacher recommends it, when your ankles are strong, and when you have had at least 3-5 years of soft shoe ballet training.

I hope this helps, have a nice day and be careful!!

=)

Answer 4

the teacher probably said harder shoes because she thinks a softer one might break.

if you have a soft shank and a strong foot you will probably break the shank ...

if you have a hard shank and a strong foot then the shoe will work properly and support you without snapping the shank.

so... get the hard one! they will also last much longer

Answer 5

Your teacher is right, you should use a harder pointe shoe initially. Since your feet are strong, they would break in a softer pointe shoe too easily. By trying to break in and work through a harder shoe, you are strengthening your feet further and taking control of the shoe, rather than let the shoe control you. However, once the shoe is broken in, many dancers with strong feet like to wear their shoes in longer once the shoes are already "dead", because if the shoes are so soft it takes more strength to be able to use them. If you've ever tried to releve in center on one leg, it is always harder on a dead shoe. For auditions, performances, etc, it would be smart to wear a softer and more flexible shoe, in order to better display your good feet.

Answer 6

i have the same feet as you! i wear freed of london studio 2. they are VERY hard and i usually keep those for about 2 weeks before they die. i really stronly suggest dont get a softer point shoe. they will die almost immidiatly. and they could be bad for your feet. it all depends on what your feet are like and eventually your feet will mold to your point shoe and it wont hurt as much. and it wont take long to break them in. if you want more advice go on this website. http://www.parkenet.org/jp/ttp12.htm

this will help a lot with breaking in point shoes. so just stay with a hard pointe shoe. and then look at this website for help with breaking in the shoes!!

GOOD LUCK!! :]

Answer 7

Quit Dance it is waaaaaaay simpler

Answer 8

When you have weaker feet you get softer pointe shoes because your feet aren't strong enough to break hard shoes in.

When you have strong feet you get harder soles (hard pointe shoes )because you'll break in soft shoes too fast

Although if you need to break in your pointe shoes fast like if you need them for a show then buy a soft pair

Answer 9

it really depends on what you are doing. if you like jumping more, then get soft, if you like intricate pointe work where you go on pointe a lot, then get hard shoes